Eagletarian Blog

MOBILE, AL. -- Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said today that though he is considering internal candidates for the vacant job of personnel chief, he might wait to fill the position until after the April draft, when contracts would expire for candidates from other organizations.

In a wide-ranging session with Daily News and Inquirer reporters between today's Senior Bowl practices, Roseman left the whole defensive coordinator situation to head coach Andy Reid, but addressed several hot-button topics.

"Just like with players, if there was an opportunity to improve ourselves, we'd look at that," Roseman said when asked about the personnel spot vacated when Ryan Grigson was hired as general manager in Indianapolis. "We're gojng to try to look there at all the options and not make any rash decisions ... We've brought in some people (over the past few years who are candidates) and we're looking at some people who can help us in the short term as well."

Former Browns and Ravens exec Phil Savage, who works with the Eagles more or less as a consultant, is in Mobile as part of the Eagles' party.

Asked to reflect on all the changes the Eagles made in last year's truncated off season, Roseman said: "I think that when you're 8-8 and you're at the Senior Bowl (instead of the Super Bowl), you obviously look back and think that there are things you could have done a different way - draft picks you'd like to have back and some signings you'd like to have back. But when you step back and look at the core of the team, the blend of youth and experience and talent, we have an opportunity to be competitive and be competitive for a long time."

Roseman hinted that the Eagles tried to address the linebacking situation during the hectic August free agent period after the lockout ended, but were unsuccessful. "It's not a buffet" where you can just pick out everything you want, he said.

Poll

Can you find it in you to root for the Giants vs. New England?

Regrettably, yes. Better them than Brady.

Maybe. If I like the spread.

No! Do you see a monkey flying out of my butt?

Roseman said the Eagles "still have high hopes" for 2010 first-round pick Brandon Graham. He said the team wasn't surprised that Graham, a defensive end, struggled in 2011, coming back from a torn ACL and microfracture surgery. "There is a huge sense of urgency for Brandon Graham (this year). He knows that," Roseman said.

Roseman's two drafts since taking over the GM title from Tom Heckert have been widely scrutinized. He indicated he was willing to second-guess them himself, wondering if he pushed players too far up the rankings to fill needs. He said the fact that so far the Eagles have gotten more help from the bottom of their last few drafts than the top might mean they need to adjust their evaluation process.

Asked about the fact that the 9-7 Giants are in the Super Bowl, Roseman said he didn't think it was productive to wonder whether the Eagles could have mounted such a run, if they had gotten into the playoffs. He said the Giants are succeeding with the formula that has brought them success in the past -- strong quarterbacking from Eli Manning and a fierce, relentless pass rush.